Theater of Machines, Volume 4

continues from previous page ...have held this: they have called the mathematical arts the sharpest test of human reason, through which humanity is, at the same time, encouraged and led to a true knowledge of the Creator and the created. Wisdom ch. 11, v. 21 That this is the indisputable truth is evidenced by the fact that all things (as we read in Holy Scripture) were created by God in certain measure, number, and weight, which three things are the primary foundation of the mathematical arts, namely arithmetic and geometry. Thus, in these three things (as the holy teacher Augustine rightly and well speaks of them), the power and glory of God are recognized in particular. Mechanics is nothing other than practical geometry. Now, mechanics or machinery (which may also be called organica organic or instrumentaria instrumental) originates and takes its beginning solely from these mathematical arts. If one considers it correctly, it is nothing other than the exercise, use, or practice of geometry. For it is not satisfied with subtle and exquisite speculation, but directs such ingenious considerations to the benefit of the human race in practice as well. Therefore, almost all arts, crafts, and indeed all trades and activities that we use in this life either come from this mechanics, or at the very least cannot manage or exist without it.

Species of Mechanics.

This mechanics has several different species among its parts, into which it is, as it were, divided, such as:

1. Manganaria, that is, the wonderful invention for maintaining and managing all manner of excessively heavy loads with little effort and hardly half the work, as well as for pulling them upwards or overhead, and likewise for moving materials from one place to another with great ease and the saving of expense and time.